Team Defensive Scoring by Design

ABSTRACT

A method for comparing one team to another team in team sport competition where, in addition to the traditionally held design on point primarily being awarded to offensive players that the defensive squad on a team also has an opportunity to gain point for their team. This can increase the volatility of the score and can also tend to reward high performance by defensive squads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to team sports, and more particularly, to a method for tracking performance and ranking the performance of teams compared to other teams.

2. Description of the Related Art

Several designs for comparing performance of sports teams have been designed in the past. None of them, however, includes a method to integrate the performance of defensive and offensive squads on a single team such that the performance value can be compared to the integration of defensive and offensive squads' performance on another team.

Applicant believes that the closest prior art is the traditional scoring methods of sports teams, such as American football, where the offensive squad is primarily responsible for acquiring points for their team. The present invention is different in, among other features, that it allows for the performance of the defensive squad on a team to contribute materially to the overall score of the team by achieving specified objectives beneficial to the team overall.

Other patents and methods in the public domain describe other means to rank and score teams that provide for a number of more or less complicated elements that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a team sports scoring method that allows the skill and performance of a defensive squad materially contribute to the overall score of the team as a whole.

It is another object of this invention to provide a way to increase the volatility of scoring by altering the dynamics of team sports strategy to enhance the spectator experience.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the effects of luck or randomness of a score and increase the value to the overall score that skill of formerly non-scoring players bring to the game.

Another object of the invention is to more accurately demonstrate the value of individual players on a squad that may have a significant impact on recruiting, drafting and player placement, among other factors.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method to reduce occurrences that can result in inequitable outcomes of the game from situations such as sudden death or overtime.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a method that is inexpensive to implement and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a flow chart of a process.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a part of a process.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of part of a process

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Team sports have been an American, and indeed worldwide, tradition for many years. Billions of dollars are spent by fans watching, listening to and obsessing about sports.

Along with great tradition, there are some imperfections with common conventions for comparing one team to another team. It is not always the best team that wins any particular game, match, series, bout, contest or other type of competition.

Sometimes, due to factors beyond the control of the individuals on a team or the team as a whole, the result of the completion is decided on factors other than simple superiority on one team over another on a simple score.

For example, in many sports there are squads or designated players that primarily act as defenders while other members perform more as offensive players. In many cases the lines between defensive players and offensive players are blurred because the same player can at one instant be defending and at another instant close in time, even in the same sortie, can take on an offensive role.

For example in basketball or soccer a player and team can be advancing the ball offensively in one moment and then they can quickly loose possession and become defenders, trying to prevent the opposing team from scoring against them.

In many sports there is little opportunity for a defensive player or defensive squad to directly contribute to the score of the team. Points are awarded in far greater numbers to the offensive squad of that particular team.

This is not to mute the benefit that a well-qualified defensive squad can contribute to the team. To the contrary, the importance of a robust defense cannot easily be overstated. The value in limiting the scoring opportunity to an opposing team is frequently the critical advantage that many teams have that push them towards success and prove superiority over a competitor.

Some of the examples described herein refer to American football. It is intended that the disclosure herein is also readily applicable to other sporting scenarios. Applications can be made with team sports or other team endeavors.

The methods can also be applied where there are not distinct offensive squads and defensive squads, per se. Any defensive action can be assigned a point or numerical value to contribute to an overall score where traditionally points have only been awarded for more formal offensive actions.

A method or a system for more accurately determining the skill level of a team with more precision than simply adding up offensive scoring is needed to better address the complexities of the contributions of defensive players and defensive squads in a team sports setting is needed to better decide a winning team.

Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally described in the flow charts as a way to compare the performance of one entire team against another entire team though the course of a game or other contest.

To better understand the examples in the drawings it should be understood that a ‘squad’ generally refers to the active players on the field (or other playing surface) for a particular team. A defensive squad or offensive squad is a set of team members that work together as a team. Generally, the adjective ‘defensive’ denotes that the team is tending to act at that moment to prevent the other team from scoring as contrasted to actively pursuing scoring itself.

For example, in football there are a set of players that are generally referred to as a defensive team and another set referred to as an offensive team. However, the nature of a single play can switch a player or team from being in a defensive posture to an offensive posture very quickly. To illustrate, a quarterback and receiver combination are often thought of be in an offensive role for a given play. But, if in that same play the pass is intercepted then the player who intercepted the ball is now in an offensive role by nature of having possession of the ball with the intent and motivation to attempt to score for his team.

In a similar manner, a hockey player can at one moment be making an offensive drive toward the opposing goal and then be stripped of the puck and is instantly then, with the rest of his team, defending against his opponent and protecting his own team's goal.

Returning to FIG. 1, it can be observed that it basically includes a series of observations of a game of both teams, each having an offensive squad and defensive squad. In FIG. 1 a portion of the game is depicted. In step 12 a first team's offensive squad and an opposing second team's defensive squad compete against each other during a game.

By mere way of illustration a football game is used to flesh out an example. Virtually any sport or other contest could also be fit into this method.

At step 14, throughout the game an observer, such as a scorekeeper or referee, observes the first team's offensive squad for an offensive scoring event. In this football example the offensive scoring event could be a touchdown, field goal, safety, extra point or conversion. In this sense the scoring is similar to a typical and well known football game scoring system.

When an offensive scoring event is detected, meaning observed by the scorekeeper, referee or other game official then a predetermined numerical value associated with that offensive scoring event is awarded. For example six points to the team whose offensive squad scored the touchdown.

This score is then recorded in a computer readable medium. This could be a score keeping computer. With similar effect the score could be recorded on paper with pencil or other available means to record the fact that points were awarded to a team. Then, that predetermined numerical value, the points awarded, is added to a first sum which is the overall score for that team. The score is then recorded in a computer readable medium where it can be saved, recalled and have additions made for future scoring events for that team.

During the same course of play as described immediately above in step 14, the present method materially departs from all known processes and methods to evaluate a team in step 16.

In step 16, throughout the game an observer, possibly the same or similar official or referee as observing the other team's offense, observes the second team's defensive squad for a defensive scoring event. For example a scoring event could be a safety, a fumble recovery, interception or other turnover, forcing a punt, a quarterback sack, stripping the ball or other specific action beneficial to the defending team.

To elaborate for clarity of one scoring event, forcing a punt is important in a football example. Under the traditional rules, when a team in possession of the ball is considering their options on a fourth down, they can attempt an advancing play for a new down or can punt the ball downfield. The punt downfield will normally result in turning possession to the receiving team and put that receiving team far from the opposing goal. Obviously, this makes a long run for their offensive chances during their possession.

Continuing this example, in the present system, the offensive team situated with a fourth down is now faced with the reality that a punt will give a point (or two) to the receiving team for having forced a turnover of possession. Now, there may be pressure for the offensive team on a fourth down to attempt to advance the ball and retain possession rather that punt downfield a relinquishing possession.

Further in this example, with an offensive team on a fourth down it may be possible to attempt a field goal. The probability of a successful field goal decreases with the distance from the goal posts. An unsuccessful field goal attempt may be a defensive scoring event for forcing the other team into that precarious position. On the other hand, a successful field goal should not reward the defense.

As can now be seen, the pressures and strategic thought process may be different than under traditional rules. The action of the game will be increased. The likelihood of a tie and subsequent overtime will be similarly reduced.

It should be noted that in the traditional football scoring rubric defensive successes are typically not awarded points to the defending team. In this presently described arrangement the fruitful behavior and achievements of the defense contributes to the overall score of the whole team.

It should now be appreciated that an offensive squad may now have pressure to behave differently. Instead of having relatively low point risk for play that might expose the quarterback to a sack, now the offense could be exposed to consider their respective defense to protect the integrity of the quarterback.

In another one of many possible repercussions of this new scoring method, a team may have different considerations when deciding whether to punt or make a play to advance the ball on their own terms when faced with a fourth down situation.

In a sense, the lines of distinction between which is the offensive squad and which is the defensive squad are blurred. Both offense and defense can now score and both offense and defense can risk giving away points by certain actions.

Returning to the example, when a defensive scoring event is detected, again by the scoring official, then a predetermined numerical value associated with that defensive scoring event is recorded in a computer readable medium. Similar to offensive scoring that recording is commonly done with a computer and appropriate software or by other available recording means. That predetermined numerical value is added to a second sum, the score of the team now characterized as defensive, and recorded in a computer readable medium.

Continuing this example in step 18, a swap of each teams' defensive squad for offensive squad and offensive squad for defensive squad is shown. This is a familiar event in football as the team with possession of the ball shifts from one team to the other as squads are exchanges on the field. As noted above, this characteristic role of being offense or defense does not necessarily mean a change of the players on the field. This is because a single player at one moment can be either defensive or offensive and then, due to the course of events of a play, can change to the converse role.

In similar fashion to steps 14 and 16, above, steps 20 and 22 show that both the offensive squad of the second team as well as the defensive squad of the first team each now have an opportunity to score points for their respective teams.

When a predetermined action, such as a touch down, field goal, safety, extra point or conversion, occurs then the offensive team is awarded points. Likewise, when a fumble recovery, interception or other turnover, a quarterback sack or stripping the ball occurs then the defensive squad responsible for that action is credited with achieving points for the team overall and that teams score is appropriately increased with that predetermined numerical value (points).

As with the scenario in FIG. 1, the converse field in FIG. 2 also has the points recorded in a computer readable or human readable medium and that teams score is summed to reflect the total points earned by both the defense and offense of that team.

FIG. 3 continues with this football example, in step 24 at least at some point during the game the sums or scores for the first and second teams are displayed in a human readable format. This could be done by means of a visual display, such as score board. An alternate format that could be understood by a person could be an audible broadcast of the then current scores.

Step 26 is contemplated at the end of the regularly timed play. For example, the clock on the fourth quarter has finally run out, typically the end of regulation play. It is at this point that the winner and loser of the game are determined, recorded and announced.

Steps 28, 30 and 32 show the three possible outcomes at the end of the regulation clock. In step 28 the first team prevails and this is reported on the score board or other humanly understandable announcement. In step 30 the second team has a greater score and prevails and this outcome is similarly proclaimed. Or, in step 32 the first team and second team have the same score.

It should be noted that with both defensive and offensive teams theoretically scoring points throughout the game that a ‘tie’, as in step 32, is a relatively unlikely outcome. However, in the event of equal scores then a special contest can be determinative of the final result. For example, a sudden death situation where the next team to score any point could be the prevailing team. Other tie breaking events could also be employed and remain within the scope of this invention.

It should be understood that this method and system of comparing teams can be applied to other sports. For example, in baseball the defensive team is on the field while the offensive team is at bat. Under the historical rules, only the batting team can score by earning run. The excellence of the defense cannot directly score, although they can benefit their team by limiting the opposing team's scoring opportunities.

Continuing this baseball example, by using the presently described approach, a defensive scoring event could be, for example, when a pitcher pitches a no hit inning, thus awarding that pitcher's team a point (run) or two. Another defensive scoring event might be a double or a triple play by the fielders. Again this could be worth a preset value. Other defensive plays that show the excellence of a defensive play could equally be characterized as a defensive scoring event.

A version of the present invention can be fairly described as a method for ranking performance of a sports team during the course of a single game comprised of the steps of observing a first team in an offensive role for a first scoring event and then assigning that first scoring event a predetermined first numerical value. This first numerical value is recorded in a computer readable medium, such as a computer and adding it to a first sum. The first sum is essentially a running tally of the total points achieved by the first team. Simultaneously, an observer observes a first team in a defensive role for a second scoring event. The defensive role is generally defined by the team at the moment with the traditional role of preventing the opposing team from scoring or gaining an advantage. The second scoring event is assigned a predetermined second numerical value. That value, and all the scoring event values are decided before play begins. The second numerical value is recorded in a computer readable medium and adding it to a first sum. Likewise and at the same time a second team is observed in an offensive role for a third scoring event and then the third scoring event is assigned a predetermined third numerical value. The third numerical value is recorded in a computer readable medium and adding it to a second sum. The second sum is essentially a score of the second team. Simultaneously, a second team is observed in a defensive role for a fourth scoring event and once detected then the fourth scoring event is assigned a predetermined fourth numerical value. The fourth numerical value is recorded in a computer readable medium, such as memory in a computer, and is then added to a second sum. Also simultaneously during the game broadcasting the first sum and the second sum are broadcasted in a human understandable format such as audibly or visually. At the end of the game the first sum and second sum are compared and broadcasted in a report with the team with a greater score identified as a prevailing team.

In a version of this method the defensive scoring event is any of a fumble recovery, interception or other turnover, a quarterback sack, forcing a punt or stripping the ball from an offensive player.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for ranking performance of a sports team during the course of a single game comprised of the steps of: observing a first team in an offensive role for a first scoring event; assigning the first scoring event a predetermined first numerical value; recording the first numerical value in a computer readable medium and adding it to a first sum; observing a first team in a defensive role for a second scoring event; assigning the second scoring event a predetermined second numerical value; recording the second numerical value in a computer readable medium and adding it to a first sum; observing a second team in an offensive role for a third scoring event; assigning the third scoring event a predetermined third numerical value; recording the third numerical value in a computer readable medium and adding it to a second sum; observing a second team in a defensive role for a fourth scoring event; assigning the fourth scoring event a predetermined, fourth numerical value; recording the fourth numerical value in a computer readable medium and adding it to a second sum; during the game broadcasting the first sum and the second sum in a human understandable format; comparing the first sum and second sum at the end of the game and broadcasting a report of the team with a greater score as a prevailing team.
 2. A method for ranking performance of a sports team as in claim 1 further characterized in that the defensive scoring event is any of a fumble recovery, interception or other turnover, a quarterback sack, forcing a punt or stripping the ball from an offensive player. 